February is the month for chocolate. I can roll with that. I like chocolate as much as the next person. This year, however, I'm trying to think outside the heart-shaped box.

I'm lucky enough to work with some talented chefs and we put our heads together to come up with healthier ways to enjoy our beloved chocolate. Here's a recipe by Executive Chef Nick Weimer that uses cocoa, which delivers intense chocolate flavor without loads of fat and sugar.

To purchase quinoa I would have to live somewhere other than the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
Dried fruits are higher in sugar.
My cardiologist tells me not to eat coconut.
Care to come up with a healthier way to eat chocolate?

Ann

July 22, 2011 9:08 a.m.

If my problem was a Death Star, this atircle is a photon torpedo.

Andralyn

February 28, 2011 8:13 a.m.

I have never thought that there could be a healthy way of preparing chocolate. As I know, chocolates are always not part of my diet solution. Hopefully, I may be able to try this while I am sticking to my dietary plan.

Jean

February 25, 2011 2:52 p.m.

Chocolate is not only one of my favorite foods because of its delicious taste, but also because of its antioxidant properties. Natural Standard gives chocolate a C grade for providing good antioxidant supplementation. Although there are important benefits of chocolate, it's important to remember that this is only true when eaten in moderation. Natural Standard also gave chocolate a C grade in treating symptoms of hypertension and hyperlipidemia as well. Go to www.naturalstandard.com and see the unbiased evidence presented about this topic.

Asha

February 19, 2011 11:42 p.m.

Could poor Mary Anne use white, perhaps lightly toasted bread crumbs for Quinoa, and having had a heart attack in the supermarket when I saw the price, could I perhaps use Couscous in lieu of Quinoa?

Flav

February 15, 2011 3:29 p.m.

The recipe sounds delicious! What a great alternative to boring chocolates.

Heather

February 10, 2011 10:56 a.m.

The recipe looks like it is delicious and I will try it. I usually make myself some hot chocolate when the craving strikes. I use 2 Tbsp cocoa (pure and dark), 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 C Milk, I heat it in a pan (sometimes I heat the milk alone in the microwave). The ending is what makes this recipe work for me: I use a hand blender and blend it all so that its thick and bubbly. This way i get the chocolate craving fixed and the texture is good, too.

barbara

February 9, 2011 12:50 p.m.

Sorry, but &quot;YUCK&quot;. This is no substitute for a really good, rich chocolate dessert or just a piece of high cocoa bar. It doesn't satisfy the chocolate crave.

Pali

February 8, 2011 11:34 a.m.

I too love chocolate but your recipes have few items I'm able to eat. A permanent partial bowel obstruction due to surgery &amp; bleeding disorder requires low fiber &amp; residue, forever. Tired of juices, yogurt, cheese, white bread, pudding, etc. Any recipes available for this problem?

MARY ANN

February 7, 2011 1:45 a.m.

Nice article, thanks.

vico

February 4, 2011 8:48 a.m.

Sue: Thanks for your question. This recipe makes four 1-cup servings. Each serving has 213 calories.

MayoClinic.com staff

February 3, 2011 8:35 a.m.

Are you able to provide the breakdown for this recipe as to the number of servings and calories per serving? Thank you.

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